A mud bath commonly uses mud from areas where hot spring water has combined with volcanic ash, giving the mud many benefits, believed to help skin, joints and muscles. Although mud baths don’t cost much, they are generally considered a luxury and are offered at high-end spas all over the world, dating back thousands of years. However, some dermatologists recommend them for patients with certain skin conditions because they can be so effective.
How Mud Can Help Skin
The mud in a mud bath contains essential minerals that draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, such as sulfur, zinc, magnesium and bromine. Many of these minerals can be found in various skin products that claim to improve skin, so a mud bath is going to straight to the source. The minerals help the skin’s complexion and the volcanic ash acts as a gentle exfoliator. Mud baths have been found to be effective in improving many skin conditions as they reduce inflammation, which is the cause of many skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne.
More About The Minerals
It’s important to remember that a mud bath is a natural product and the ‘ingredients’ making up the mud will vary depending on your location, but all should have a similar basis. Sulfur has antibacterial, anti-fungal and keratolytic (removes flakey, dry skin) properties. Mud can also contain calcium, which can increase cell-turnover rates to help skin glow, and iron, which spreads oxygen around the body, including to skin cells. Finally, magnesium salts are commonly found in Dead Sea water, which is used to improve inflammation of the skin and in joints.
Natural Stress Relief
Life has become fast-paced and can be very stressful, which inevitably has an effect on your health, including your skin. Mud baths provide some alone-time, while offering a relaxing experience that is warm and improves your wellbeing. This natural stress reliever is believed to help skin even more. Stress causes cortisol to be released in the body, which can lead to skin inflammation, so less stress means better skin. While mud baths aren’t the only way to relax, they are definitely associated with de-stressing and for anyone who experiences joint or muscle pain they can act as a 2-in-1 for both pain relief and stress relief.
Benefits Beyond The Skin
While the benefits for skin are the main attraction, mud baths can also help people with joint and muscle pains as the mud takes a lot of your weight, similar to how water does, taking pressure off your body. It’s believed that the mud acts as a deep heat treatment as it’s naturally warm, so it improves circulation, further helping with joint and muscle pain. Mud baths are also great as a starter treatment before a massage as they help you to relax and it prepares the skin for any products that will be applied, so that you get the most from your massage.
Who Should Avoid Mud Baths?
A mud bath seems like a simple concept, but you should go to a spa and have a professional assist you to ensure you get the best results and don’t put yourself at risk. Professionals understand that the mud needs to contain certain minerals, a balanced pH level and nutritional levels for it to be beneficial. If you have any cuts, high blood pressure, you’re on certain medications or you’re intoxicated, you should avoid mud baths for your own safety. On this note, while mud baths can help some skin conditions, if they are severe it’s best to avoid a mud bath until your skin heals and then use them to maintain healthy skin. Also, people with immune disorders, heart problems and pregnant women should all avoid mud baths unless they get the okay from their doctor.
Before And After Tips
It may seem obvious, but you need to be careful to avoid the mud getting into your ears, eyes, nose and mouth. Mud baths are a heated spa treatment, so you should drink plenty to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start drinking water in the 24 hours before your mud bath to keep you feeling healthy. You should take a shower beforehand to help keep the mud clean for other people and afterwards to rinse off any mud. A cold shower can help to close pores to stop any dirt getting back in, helping your skin stay clear.
Getting in touch with your inner child and playing in the mud offers plenty of benefits and can be good fun too. Benefits range from improved skin conditions to pain relief but can also just be a therapeutic treatment to help reduce stress and relax.
